The Price of Dishonesty

Nothing is free, there is a price for everything we do and receive. The value we place on what we'll receive and become can tell us if the cost is worth the price we'd pay. The price of dishonesty is a steep one. Being dishonest will cost you your integrity, your credibility, respect, and even some of your freedom. 

Honesty and integrity are our best tools in influence and leadership.[Tweet this]

The moment you start lying or manipulating the truth is the moment that you will find yourself captive by the chains that those lies create. A single lie can never stand on its own, it needs the support of other lies to hold it up.

Integrity is not something that can be reestablished in a single act. It is built over time through consistent effort. A single lie however has the power to destroy it all. Every lie you tell to another is a lie told to yourself. To lie one must convince himself that they feel good about doing something wrong, and that the lies are helping more than harming. The liar pays the greatest price by lying. They lose confidence and trust in themselves and others with every lie they tell. 

There is nothing charitable about lying, the only consistent motive is selfishness. [Tweet this]

Contentment may come for a moment for a liar but it will not last. In the end the one who is harmed and hurt the most is the liar.

 

Is lying ever worth the price?

Words are Powerful: 4 Ways to be a Positive Communicator

Words are powerful things. They can be used to move mountains or bring down empires. They can be used to build or destroy. Here are 4 ways you can be a more positive communicator:

1) REINFORCE THE GOOD

No one is perfect; but we all, to some degree try to be. We choose what we magnify and see in others.

 It is of great benefit to reinforce the good while bridling the bad.  [Tweet this]

Even the proudest person is the hardest on himself. People don't need us to add to their voices of negativity, instead, reinforce and encourage the good and positive in others. In doing so, our confidence grows and we'll gain an ally for life.

2) STOP COMPLAINING & BE GRATEFUL

Complaining is like mental pollution. It brings with it the stink of bad vibes and the smoke of negative energy. Negative thoughts and complaints are like rabbits, you only need a few in order for them to multiply and get out of control. There is no situation so bad that complaining won't make it worse. Instead of complaining, focus on what you have to be grateful for. When we are so intent on complaining about the smudges and fingerprints on our glasses it is easy to miss the beautiful sunrise beyond the lenses.

There is no situation so bad that complaining won't make it worse. [Tweet this]

3) SPEAK UP & OUT WITHOUT SPEAKING DOWN

The world isn't perfect. There are countless problems and issues that need to be addressed and brought into light. It would be wise to focus on solving problems and not on changing people. 

No matter how much we do know, we do not know everything. [Tweet this]

In speaking down about people, we may find ourselves making and spreading false assumptions about the very individuals who could be key in making things better and are doing the best with what they've been given. It is vital that we speak up and speak out while doing all we can, but never speak down in the process. 

4) SOMETIMES BE SILENT

The natural man in all of us likes to be right. Sometimes we can become frustrated when we know we are right and are trying to convince others by arguing our point. Just a little bit of contention can easily turn into bashing, taunting, and demeaning. In these arguments, no one really wins. 

If you know you are right, the proof will eventually come out.[Tweet this]

In times of stress in our lives, we would be wise to say nothing or be silent rather than wasting our energy to fight a doomed battle.

Use your words wisely. Don't fall into the traps of complaining, criticizing, gossiping, or belittling. Our words will either open doors for opportunities or slam ones that were previously already open. 

How have words positively affected you in your life?